Du Preez confident ahead of World Cup

Johannesburg - South African cricket captain Mignon du Preez is confident her team will hold their own in the upcoming Women's World Cup in India, starting at the end of January.

“We're facing tough competition but we've got the talent and skills to do well,” Du Preez said on Wednesday.

“I believe it's definitely going to take brilliant individual performances within the team environment to help us to do well in the Women's World Cup and every single player is going to play a vital role.”

South Africa have been drawn against Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan in Group B and will open their campaign against New Zealand in Mumbai on February 1.

Du Preez singled out Pakistan as the team to beat, in their bid to qualify for the Super Sixes stage of the tournament.

“Pakistan will be our main target to help us secure a spot in the Super Sixes.

“We have quite a good track record against Pakistan and hopefully we can keep it that way.

“In our recent encounter at the World Twenty20, we had managed to come out on top and have a bit of momentum going for us. Their bowling attack is very powerful and they have star players suchas Sana Mir, Nain Abidi, Bismah Maroof and Javeria Khan.”

South Africa are playing in an ongoing five-match ODI series against the West Indies women and secured an 80-run victory against the hosts in their first match on Monday.

“We are currently in the West Indies to play some competitive cricket and to prepare us for the World Cup,” Du Preez said. - Sapa